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For the second time in three seasons, Xavier men's basketball will not hear its named called on Selection Sunday.
This time last year, Xavier had a nerve-wracking three-day await on the NCAA Tournament bubble after an early exit in the Big East Tournament. The Musketeers were ultimately rewarded for their late-season winning streak and landed at UD Arena as a No. 11 seed.
More: What time is Selection Sunday for men's, women's NCAA Tournament tomorrow?
More: March Madness printable bracket: Get ready for Selection Sunday
After a coaching change and a rebuilt roster from scratch, Xavier had low expectations (picked to finish eighth in the Big East) and Richard Pitino's first season on the job ultimately ended in a 15-18 record.
Xavier won a thriller over Marquette in the Big East Tournament, then was outmatched in another lopsided loss to UConn in the quarterfinals to end the season.
More: Takeaways from Xavier's loss to UConn in Big East Tournament
While there's been no official word on if Xavier would play in another tournament, the Musketeers wouldn't qualify for the College Basketball Crown or the NIT with a 15-18 record. Xavier is No. 97 in KenPom and the NCAA NET Rankings.
Pitino and players all made it sound like the end behind the microphone at Madison Square Garden March 12 after the loss to UConn, with outgoing players Tre Carroll, Isaiah Walker and Filip Borovicanin all acknowledging how difficult it is when a season comes to an end.
"Even though I was only here for one year, I took pride in this jersey," Xavier forward Tre Carroll said. "I took pride in this school, and I'm very sad that I don't ever get to wear it again."
More: When does March Madness start? 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament schedule, dates
Pitino posted to social media after the loss to the Huskies, saying, "Truly grateful for the guys in our locker room. High character, low maintenance group. The epitome of unselfish. Also a shoutout to our amazing fans. They embraced us all season even despite our record. Better days ahead. Time to get to work."
Pitino outlined his roster construction strategy, which will include retention, high school recruiting and the transfer portal in his first full offseason as the Musketeers head coach.
On Saturday, while cheering on his father, Rick Pitino, from behind the St. John's bench at Madison Square Garden for the Big East Championship game, he took to social media again.
"The biggest stage. MSG. This needs to be us Xavier fans. Let's do it!"
While Xavier fans were wishing they'd see the Musketeers revealed on a bracket Sunday, there is plenty of work to do.
Instead of eyeing Selection Sunday, all sights are on the offseason when the transfer portal set to open on Tuesday, April 7.
If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Where does Xavier Musketeers basketball stand?
Continue reading...
This time last year, Xavier had a nerve-wracking three-day await on the NCAA Tournament bubble after an early exit in the Big East Tournament. The Musketeers were ultimately rewarded for their late-season winning streak and landed at UD Arena as a No. 11 seed.
You must be registered for see images attach
More: What time is Selection Sunday for men's, women's NCAA Tournament tomorrow?
More: March Madness printable bracket: Get ready for Selection Sunday
After a coaching change and a rebuilt roster from scratch, Xavier had low expectations (picked to finish eighth in the Big East) and Richard Pitino's first season on the job ultimately ended in a 15-18 record.
Xavier won a thriller over Marquette in the Big East Tournament, then was outmatched in another lopsided loss to UConn in the quarterfinals to end the season.
More: Takeaways from Xavier's loss to UConn in Big East Tournament
Richard Pitino, Xavier move on to critical offseason
While there's been no official word on if Xavier would play in another tournament, the Musketeers wouldn't qualify for the College Basketball Crown or the NIT with a 15-18 record. Xavier is No. 97 in KenPom and the NCAA NET Rankings.
Pitino and players all made it sound like the end behind the microphone at Madison Square Garden March 12 after the loss to UConn, with outgoing players Tre Carroll, Isaiah Walker and Filip Borovicanin all acknowledging how difficult it is when a season comes to an end.
"Even though I was only here for one year, I took pride in this jersey," Xavier forward Tre Carroll said. "I took pride in this school, and I'm very sad that I don't ever get to wear it again."
You must be registered for see images
More: When does March Madness start? 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament schedule, dates
Pitino posted to social media after the loss to the Huskies, saying, "Truly grateful for the guys in our locker room. High character, low maintenance group. The epitome of unselfish. Also a shoutout to our amazing fans. They embraced us all season even despite our record. Better days ahead. Time to get to work."
Pitino outlined his roster construction strategy, which will include retention, high school recruiting and the transfer portal in his first full offseason as the Musketeers head coach.
On Saturday, while cheering on his father, Rick Pitino, from behind the St. John's bench at Madison Square Garden for the Big East Championship game, he took to social media again.
"The biggest stage. MSG. This needs to be us Xavier fans. Let's do it!"
While Xavier fans were wishing they'd see the Musketeers revealed on a bracket Sunday, there is plenty of work to do.
Instead of eyeing Selection Sunday, all sights are on the offseason when the transfer portal set to open on Tuesday, April 7.
If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Where does Xavier Musketeers basketball stand?
Continue reading...
